His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that Gulf economic integration is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding developmental gains and addressing challenges amidst exceptional regional circumstances.
This came during the eighth extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Preparatory Committee at the ministerial level of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority of the GCC, held on Monday (April 20, 2026) via video conference, with the participation of Their Excellencies the Ministers responsible for economic and developmental affairs.
At the beginning of the meeting, HE the Secretary General stated that this extraordinary meeting was being held at a critical juncture due to the treacherous Iranian attacks targeting the GCC states. He noted that these attacks necessitate a shift from traditional coordination to a higher level of practical integration and effective response, especially given that the escalating challenges facing the region are no longer a passing circumstance, but rather a true test of its ability to protect its achievements and ensure the continued efficient and stable operation of its vital sectors.
He commented: “The geopolitical developments in the region have cast a shadow over the regional and international economic landscape, increasingly highlighting the importance of strengthening economic coordination and integration among the GCC countries and elevating it to higher levels of integration.”
“This integration is the cornerstone for consolidating stability, preserving developmental gains, enhancing the ability of our economies to adapt to all changes and challenges, and mitigating the repercussions of crises,” His Excellency stressed during his speech.
He further pointed out that the intensive coordination meetings, which have exceeded 50 since the outbreak of the crisis and covered all areas of joint Gulf action, reflect an advanced level of institutional readiness and a shared awareness of the nature of the current phase and its requirements.
Furthermore, HE the Secretary General underscored that the role played by the committee, alongside other ministerial committees concerned with economic and developmental affairs, is gaining increasing importance at this stage, particularly in ensuring policy coordination and the integration of efforts among member states.
“This necessitates accelerating the pace of joint Gulf action and strengthening economic integration on more effective and flexible foundations, enabling us to confront all challenges with a unified vision and a coordinated response,” His Excellency reiterated.
Concluding his speech, HE the Secretary General expressed his thanks and appreciation to Their Excellencies for their continuous efforts and cooperation, and for the many constructive proposals they presented during the meeting, which he affirmed will contribute to strengthening economic integration among the GCC countries and overcoming the repercussions of this crisis.
